Munich and the surrounding region of Bavaria is what most tourists have in mind when picturing Germany. This is the land of oom-pah-pah bands, breathtaking Alpine views, lederhosen and 1-liter-beer steins. But Munich isn’t only the home of great beer and the Bavarian Alps, it was once the center of Nazi Germany, and many buildings today still show scars of WWII and the scourge of Hitler’s Third Reich.

A day trip outside the city to the former Dachau concentration camp will provide a chilling reminder of the story behind Nazi Germany. Although it isn't the best match with the jolly good times of Oktoberfest, Ludus definitely recommends this site.

On a lighter note, Munich has an ideal geographic position for fascinating day trips. You can take a short train ride and be in the heart of the Alps where you’ll see King Ludwig’s indescribable Neuschwanstein Castle (which Disney used to modeled their famous fairy tale castle) or to the Andechs Kloster (monastery) in the countryside just outside Munich. If you need more, head a bit farther north and visit medieval villages along the “Romantic Road” such as picturesque Rothenburg.

Bavaria is predominantly Roman Catholic, and there are several beautifully adorned Baroque and Rococo churches throughout the region and throughout the city of Munich.

Finally, with the mountains nearby, depending on the weather, you can take a late summer hike or an early season trip to the slopes.

Naturally, you can participate in the largest beer festival in the world, too! Oktoberfest is about more than drinking beer, however. It’s a cultural celebration for the whole family that includes carnival rides and food booths filled with Bavarian fare like sausages, rotisserie chicken, giant pretzels, gingerbread cookies, sugar-coated nuts and candied apples-yum!

Click here to read more about Munich's beer tents!